Willa Joanna Chance Holland, born on June 18, 1991, in Los Angeles, California, is an American actress, voice actress, and model.
With a career spanning television, film, and video games, she is best known for her roles as Kaitlin Cooper in the Fox teen drama The O.C., Thea Queen / Speedy in The CW’s Arrow, and the voice of Aqua in the Kingdom Hearts video game series.
Holland’s journey into acting began at the tender age of seven, sparked by a chance encounter with filmmaker Steven Spielberg, who saw her potential while she was playing at a neighbor’s house.
Since then, she has built a versatile career, balancing modeling, acting, and voice work, all while captivating audiences with her charm and talent.
Siblings
Willa has two sisters, Brianna Holland and Piper De Palma, who have largely stayed out of the public eye compared to their famous sibling.
Brianna Holland, born in 1988, is Willa’s older sister, born three years before her. While little is publicly known about Brianna’s personal or professional life, she shares the same parents as Willa—cinematographer Keith Holland and actress Darnell Gregorio-De Palma.
Unlike Willa, Brianna has not pursued a career in the spotlight, and details about her endeavors remain private.
Piper De Palma, born in 1996, is Willa’s younger half-sister, born to their mother, Darnell Gregorio-De Palma, during her marriage to renowned film director Brian De Palma from 1995 to 1997.
Like Brianna, Piper maintains a low profile, and there is limited information available about her career or personal pursuits.
Also Read: Danny DeVito Siblings: Get to Know Angela and Theresa DeVito
Career
Holland’s journey began at age seven when she signed with Ford Modeling Agency and landed a shoot for Burberry, marking the start of her modeling career.
She worked with prominent brands like Guess, Gap, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Ralph Lauren, establishing herself as a top child model in the U.S. between the ages of 7 and 11.
Her acting debut came in 2001, when she appeared alongside her father, Keith Holland, in the film Ordinary Madness.
However, her breakthrough role was as Kaitlin Cooper, the rebellious younger sister of Marissa Cooper, in The O.C. from 2006 to 2007.
Initially a recurring character in season three, her performance earned her a regular spot in season four, captivating audiences with her portrayal of the troubled teen.
Holland’s television career flourished with roles in Gossip Girl from 2008 to 2010, where she played the rebellious model Agnes Andrews, and Arrow from 2012 to 2020, where she portrayed Thea Queen / Speedy, the sister of Oliver Queen / Green Arrow.
Her work in Arrow was a defining moment, as she remained a regular cast member until the sixth season, with guest appearances in later seasons.
She also appeared in two episodes of The Flash, a spin-off of Arrow, further cementing her presence in the DC Universe.
In film, Holland starred in projects like Garden Party in 2008, Legion in 2010, Straw Dogs in 2011, and Tiger Eyes in 2012, the latter being an adaptation of Judy Blume’s 1981 novel where she played the lead role of Davey Wexler.
Her ability to tackle diverse genres, from teen dramas to thrillers, showcased her range as an actress.
Beyond the screen, Holland has made significant contributions as a voice actress, most notably as Aqua in the Kingdom Hearts video game series.
Her work in titles like Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep in 2010 and Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance in 2012 earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase among gamers.
Holland’s multifaceted career also includes music videos, such as “Keep Me Up All Night” in 2008 and “Fearless Love” in 2010, as well as magazine covers for Teen Vogue and CosmoGirl!.
Her ability to navigate modeling, acting, and voice work has solidified her status as a versatile talent in Hollywood.
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